I don't own Vampire Knight or any of the characters in the series.

A/N: Chapter 2 is finally here! :)

Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter! Reviews give me a lot of motivation! :D
本当にありがとうございます! がんばります! (hontouni arigatou gozaimasu! ganbarimasu! = Thank you so much! I will do my best!) :D

Unfortunately this is my only update for tonight. I have just been informed at short notice that some people I know are travelling tomorrow, so I have to get up early to see them off. I have had so many early mornings this week... I just wanna sleep in because it's getting cold here... -.- zzZ

Please read, review, fave and follow. But, most importantly, please enjoy! :D

Chapter 2: Suggestion at Dinner

*Ding-Dong*

They're here!

Senri's pulse increased as his excitement grew. He dashed to the door quickly, eager to see his fiancé. Extending a hand, he turned the nob and opened the door without a thought for his condition.

"Hello, Senri. It is fantastic to see you once again." Haruka greeted him.

"Indeed. It has been a while since we saw you, and I must say that you are looking well this evening." Juri complimented.

"…" Senri wanted to give them a proper answer. He wanted to say how wonderful it was that they had come and apologise profusely for not inviting them earlier. He wanted to make light conversation, maybe compliment Juri's dress and her new hairclip, which he noted was from one of the most expensive fashion houses that he greatly admired. From the shape and style he guessed that this must have been a treasured present from her loving husband.

However, even though he had so much he wanted to say, he couldn't say it. He didn't know where to begin and if the conversation would go as he planned. Even though he didn't wish it, he found himself tensing up and not being able to speak with the depth and feeling he desired. The words he wished to say never exited his mouth, instead:

"It has been a while." Senri managed to reply, bowing towards them.

Haruka and Juri both gave him a gentle smile. Having known Senri since his childhood, due to the close connection of the Kuran and Shiki families, they were aware of his 'quiet nature' and were used to his lack of speech. Both of them knew to feel glad that Senri's response had been more than just one word.

"Hello, it's so good to see you both. I'm ever so glad that you could make it. Please follow me." Rido greeted the couple as he arrived on the scene and led them away so that Kaname and Senri could have some alone time. It seemed that Yuki did not decide to join them tonight.

Way to go, dad! Senri thanked his father in his head for this gift of time.

Kaname also seemed happy that they were alone. He removed his gloves, folded them and placed them in his pocket before moving towards Senri. Gently, he took Senri's hand and pressed it to his lips. This was their usual greeting, yet it sent Senri's heart aflutter every time without fail.

"It feels like so long since I last saw you, Senri. I've missed you." Kaname greeted him.

"Sorry…" Senri replied.

"It is not your fault so please don't apologise." Kaname responded, tucking one stray hair behind Senri's ear.

But it is my fault…If I could only talk properly…If only I was normal…

"Sorry." Senri scolded himself internally, realising that he had just apologised for apologising.

But, his accident caused Kaname to smile. This made him happier than anything else. The smile gave Senri some confidence so he tried to start conversation, nervous though he was.

"I noticed that Yuki did not attend tonight…" Senri pointed out quietly, his heart racing since he had made the initiative to talk.

"Yes, she couldn't. She had a prior arrangement to attend her friend's party. I'm sure that she sends her regards." Kaname informed him. "However, I feel slightly sad at the fact that the first thing you talk about is my sister. I thought that I was your fiancé…" Kaname lightly pouted.

He was only pouting in jest and did not mean for Senri to take this seriously. However, Senri didn't comprehend this and immediately the negative thoughts began flowing into his mind.

"I'm sorry." Senri apologised again.

Why did I talk? Why did I force myself to talk? I said something stupid and Kaname didn't like it…I just made a fool of myself…

Kaname noticed the subtle change in Senri's actions and realised what had happened.

"You have nothing to apologise for Senri. I only complained in jest so please don't take what I say seriously." Kaname tried to assure him.

Unfortunately it seemed that this misunderstanding had caused Senri to clam up once again.

"Please look at me." Kaname pleaded.

Senri slowly raised his head slowly, but struggled to meet Kaname's eyes without feeling embarrassment. Kaname then stroked a finger down Senri's soft cheek.

"It seems that I have upset you…" Kaname said sadly.

N-no you haven't upset me. I can see that it was in jest now. I was the one who was foolish, not you. I could never be upset with you…

"I'm not upset." Senri replied shortly.

"That is a relief to hear, Senri." Kaname responded.

Just as this conversation ended, Rido appeared again to inform them that dinner was ready. They followed him into the dining room.

I wish that we could hold hands as we walked…but if I asked him he would think me childish…so I won't.

…

The dinner went rather pleasantly. The Kurans chatted with Rido and his wife about recent events, particularly Senri's recent graduation. He had graduated from high school two weeks ago with fantastic grades and had received a scholarship to the university he had been hoping to attend. So, many congratulations were in order even if the person they were celebrating seemed a little un-excited about their achievement.

"Senri, while I was talking to Haruka and Juri earlier we thought that you deserved a reward for doing so well. It is known that many school leavers go out on holidays with their friends or do some other major celebration to commemorate their transition into adulthood. But, we know that you don't particularly like crowds and would rather do something quieter. So, we came up with an idea!" Rido announced.

Senri had stopped eating and now was paying full attention to the conversation. He was rather intrigued to find out what they had thought of.

"We own a nice villa by the coast. It has spectacular surroundings and a wonderful beach which is great for viewing the sunset." Haruka began.

"It's all private property so there would be no crowds." Juri added.

"So we thought that maybe you would like a holiday there with Kaname, who has been eager to take a break from his work with the council, and Yuki, who is currently on her school holidays." Haruka concluded.

I don't know that I would talk much. But any time I spend with Kaname is good, and Yuki is one of my friends...It also sounds like it's a nice, quiet and rexlaxing place. The whole idea sounds wonderful…

While Senri was thinking, Kaname was the first to speak up.

"That sounds like an excellent idea! I would love to spend some time with Senri." Kaname turned in Senri's direction to address him. "The place is extremely beautiful and I would love nothing more than to show you the sights. Please say that you will join me?" Kaname pleaded.

I can't say no to him.

"I would like that." Senri replied, nodding his approval.

"Well, that's settled then!" Rido pulled out another bottle of champagne to celebrate.

I'm going to go on a holiday with Kaname! I can just imagine us strolling down the beach and the sight of him basking in the glow of the setting sun… I truly can't wait!

Senri was filled with these happy thoughts as the dinner concluded.